Buzz
1. Dynamic All-Wheel Steering System
In recent years, car manufacturers have reintroduced the 4-wheel steering system on modern car models such as Porsche (911 Turbo, 911 Turbo S, 911 GT3...), Audi (Q7 (2014), A8 2018), BMW (some models in the 5-series, 6-series, 7-series), Mercedes-AMG GT R, Lamborghini (Aventador S and Urus), Ferrari (F12tdf, GTC4 Lusso T), Lexus GS, Infiniti QX70, Cadillac CT6, Renault (Talisman Grandtour, Megane Sport Tourer GT)...
The operating principle of the 4-wheel steering system is similar among brands and has two main modes. At low speeds (below 50 or 40 km/h), the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels (reducing understeer), allowing the car to navigate tighter curves, particularly useful when making U-turns or finding parking spaces in tight locations. Depending on each brand's technology, the rear wheels can turn up to an angle of 2.8 or 3 degrees.
In the next upgraded version, the Audi Q7 is equipped with additional technology packages called 'driver assistance systems' to maximize user comfort. The system includes various driver assistance features such as lane-keeping, automatic braking, and automated parking. The 4-wheel steering system plays a crucial role in tight parking situations when combined with sensors, cameras, and radar signals. Recently, on the Audi A8 2019, the driver assistance systems technology package incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the intelligence of the vehicle. According to Audi, this application helps the Audi A8 2018 achieve Level 3 autonomous driving (according to SAE standards).
2. Matrix LED Headlights with Laser Light
Audi's Matrix LED headlight technology was first introduced in the A8L model, marking a new era in optimal automotive lighting solutions. The LED strip is designed with intelligent illumination for various operating conditions, avoiding glare to other road users. The Matrix LED headlights consist of 25 long-range bulbs divided into 5 groups, each group integrating 5 lights with individual lenses.
When the lights are set to automatic mode and the high beam is activated, the system automatically engages when the car reaches speeds above 30 km/h. As soon as the A8L's observation camera detects other vehicles, the new headlight system continuously turns off or dims each bulb. This on/off process is extremely precise. In the presence of oncoming or directly preceding vehicles, the headlight system automatically reduces the intensity of illumination, avoiding direct glare, while the central and adjacent lights continue to shine. After the oncoming vehicles pass, the previously turned-off light groups immediately resume operation, illuminating the previously dark areas at full power. The Matrix LED option on the Audi A8L is entirely electronically controlled, providing great flexibility and accuracy. The light emitted by the headlight system resembles crystal-like brilliance. An intelligent feature of this Matrix LED system is that when a pedestrian is detected in a dangerous zone, the LED clusters will automatically flash quickly three times to alert both the pedestrian and the driver.
In addition to the mentioned features, the Matrix LED headlight technology also includes the function of directing the light beam when entering a curve. Particularly, thanks to route predictions provided by the MMI+ navigation system, the light beam direction in the curve will be adjusted earlier before the driver performs the steering wheel turning operation. Another function is the dynamic turn signal system. The LED elements in the turn signal lights will flash sequentially with a delay of 150 milliseconds, creating continuous and visually appealing running lines towards the desired turning direction.
Experts in the automotive field consider the Matrix LED headlight system as an extremely safe system. Thus, top-tier vehicles like the Audi A8L are equipped with the latest technologies. In the future, Matrix LED headlights are likely to be installed on many Audi models, leading the way in advanced automotive technologies in the coming years.
3. AI Active Suspension System with Artificial Intelligence
The AI Active Suspension is a fully electrically operated air suspension system, exclusively present in the Audi A8 2018 model. It can increase or decrease the load on each wheel independently, actively controlling the vehicle's posture in every driving situation.
The all-new Audi A8's fully active suspension system uses advanced cameras linked to independent electric motors at each wheel, helping the car adapt to changes in the road surface and providing a perfect balance between comfort and dynamic feel. Empowering this new active suspension system is a 48V electrical main system, along with additional components such as gears, a rotating tube with an internally titan-sprung bar, and a push-rod transmitting torque up to a threshold of 1,100 Nm through the transfer bar.
According to the manufacturer's claim, with the assistance of the front camera, this particular suspension system reacts precisely at the right moment, completely eliminating vibrations and bouncing. This process is confirmed to take place within a few milliseconds as the camera displays road information 18 times per second. Additionally, the new active suspension system of the Audi A8 2018 also minimizes the risk of wheel lift when cornering, as well as movements during braking or acceleration. The combination of the rear axle steering system also ensures greater stability and enhanced handling capability. Moreover, Audi asserts that the new A8 has a significantly smaller turning radius compared to the A4 version.
Discussing safety features, with the assistance of Audi's 360-degree safety system, the active suspension system will lift the rear of the vehicle by 80 mm in case an imminent side impact is detected at speeds exceeding 24 km/h. This way, the impact force will be directed towards the strongest areas of the car, such as cross members and floor structures, reducing the load on passengers by approximately 50%.
4. Central Control Unit zFAS
Introduced in late 2017, the new Audi A8 became the world's first commercially available car with Level 3 autonomous driving capability. This achievement is attributed to two innovations, including sensors and a central driver assistance control unit known as zFAS. The zFAS central support computer meticulously calculates autonomous functions to ensure the perfect operation of signal lights based on information from surrounding sensors. Additionally, based on received signals, the computer can predict future developments and suggest operational solutions.
A compact-sized computer continuously processes signals from sensors and uses them to create a comprehensive image of the surrounding space. To achieve this, zFAS utilizes processors from world-leading companies such as NVIDIA's Tegra K1 chip, ALTERA's Cyclone V, Infineon's Aurix, and Mobileye's EyeQ3 image processor.
zFAS reads data from sensors in the first layer and merges them to form a complex model of the environment, including moving objects, static obstacles, and a road model. The second layer is created from map data, lane markings, and road edges determined by sensors.
5. Automatic Parking Pilot and Garage Pilot
As part of the Audi Artificial Intelligence (Audi AI) package, the new A8's automatic parking system can parallel or perpendicular park without the need for a driver, or it can be remotely controlled through the control panel or smartphone. Audi is confident that equipped with a laser scanner, the Audi A8 will have better and more precise automatic parking capabilities than its competitors.
The driver activates the system with the Parking button on the MMI screen. While the car is moving at a moderate speed, ultrasonic sensors and a laser scanner measure parking spaces along the road. A message appears on the MMI screen when the system identifies a suitable parking spot. The driver needs to stop the car, select the control smartphone, exit the car, and start the parking process through the phone within a maximum distance of 6 meters. This is done by pressing the Audi AI button on the myAudi app and holding it throughout the parking process. The driver sees a live image from the 360-degree camera system displayed on the phone screen. When the car reaches the final position, it automatically shifts to the P gear and turns off the engine. When it's time to retrieve the car, the driver can also use the smartphone to reverse the car out of the parking space or garage. Based on the laser scanner's capabilities, the car can park very close to the wall and other obstacles like bicycles in the garage, or it won't move in if there isn't enough space for parking.
6. 3D 360-degree Camera
The new 360-degree camera feature on Audi models uses 4 cameras to scan the entire surrounding area and nearby objects, then displays them in a 3D model on the control screen (I've watched a video review of the new Audi A6, and even a dog near it was included in the 3D model). The driver can use the touch screen to rotate and zoom the image with various perspectives. Additionally, there are views from the front and rear wheels to prevent tire contact with curbs or sidewalks during parking. The 360-degree camera feature will automatically activate when the car shifts to reverse or through a button on the center control console.
7. Audi Pre sense 360 Safety Technology
Audi Pre sense 360 utilizes data from surround sensors and cameras to detect potential collisions around the vehicle involving other vehicles, pedestrians, and even bicycles. Pedestrians can be detected when the car is moving at speeds up to 65 or 85 km/h (depending on the model), while other vehicles can be detected when the car is traveling at speeds up to 250 km/h.
If a collision is imminent, warnings will be issued in stages, including visual signals, sounds, and vibrations. If necessary, the system will provide brake force support to reduce the vehicle's speed or apply the brakes completely to avoid a potential collision. Additionally, there are measures taken to protect passengers inside, such as tightening seat belts, adjusting seat positions, activating emergency warning lights, and automatically closing side windows and the sunroof.
